NSCDC closes illegal oil bunkering site in Abia

Ilenre Irele

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, said it had busted and dismantled an illegal oil bunkering and seized two local Cotonou boats with 9,000 litres of illegally refined AGO around Inhandu Community, in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

The feat according to the Corps was carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad through credible intelligence, that illegal and uninterrupted loading of AGO concealed in cellophane bags were ongoing at Inhandu/Ikwariator waterside in Ukwa East.

National Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said the team swung into action by raiding the site where they met two large wooden Cotonou boats at the river bank, AGO concealed in cellophane bags loaded in fibre boats, while the perpetrators took to their heels at the sighting of the Corps’ operatives.

Afolabi noted that illegal refining of petroleum products had been carried out for a long time at the bunkering site until it was discovered by its operatives.

He said, “While touring across the site, some bags of AGO were also packed in an uncompleted building while some were loaded inside three different vehicles ready for supply.

“Some of the exhibits recovered at the crime scene are: two fibre boats with 40 horse hower Yamaha engines, two empty J5 Buses and one Sequoia Jeep about to be loaded, two large wooden boats still under construction and some quantities of AGO concealed in cellophane bags.”

The NSCDC further disclosed that its Intelligence and Investigation Department has commenced detailed work to unravel the perpetrators and beneficiaries while an application for forfeiture of products and mode of conveyance would be sought at the law court at the expiration of investigation.

“We enjoined the public to cooperate with the NSCDC in the fight against crude oil theft to rid our economy of the hands of saboteurs.”